Penn Lines February 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

Forecasting Future Needs Preparing tomorrow’s energy workforce

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Penn_Lines_PA_February_V2.indd 1

1/11/11 3:55 PM

FEBRUARY Vol. 46 • No. 2 Peter A. Fitzgerald EDITOR/DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Katherine Hackleman SENIOR EDITOR/WRITER

James Dulley Janette Hess Barbara Martin Marcus Schneck

4

KEEPING CURRENT News items from across the Commonwealth

6

T I M E PA S S A G E S Remembering when the lights came on

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

W. Douglas Shirk LAYOUT & DESIGN

8

Vonnie Kloss

F E AT U R E

Forecasting future needs

ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION

Preparing tomorrow’s energy workforce

Michelle M. Smith

8

MEDIA & MARKETING SPECIALIST

Penn Lines (USPS 929-700), the newsmagazine of Pennsylvania’s electric cooperatives, is published monthly by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. Penn Lines helps 166,400 households of co-op consumermembers understand issues that affect the electric cooperative program, their local coops, and their quality of life. Electric co-ops are not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed, and taxpaying electric utilities. Penn Lines is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. The opinions expressed in Penn Lines do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, or local electric distribution cooperatives.

Subscriptions: Electric co-op members, $5.42 per year through their local electric distribution cooperative. Preferred Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, PA 17105 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes with mailing label to Penn Lines, 212 Locust Street, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266.

Advertising: Display ad deadline is six weeks prior to month of issue. Ad rates upon request.

Acceptance of advertising by Penn Lines does not imply endorsement of the product or services by the publisher or any electric cooperative. If you encounter a problem with any product or service advertised in Penn Lines, please contact: Advertising, Penn Lines, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Penn Lines reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

12

E N E R G Y M AT T E R S Red tape overload

14A C O O P E R AT I V E

23 CO N N ECT I O N

Information and advice from your local electric cooperative

18

TIME LINES Your newsmagazine through the years

20

SMART CIRCUITS

Clearing the air Clean ducts key to air quality

22

POWER PLANTS

26

Try these winners at home 23

COUNTRY KITCHEN

Breakfast in bed 24

CLASSIFIEDS

26

O U T D O O R A DV E N T U R ES

Smorgasbord of intended land uses

29

In Pennsylvania, 5.4 million acres dedicated to conservation, recreation

27

Thoughts from Earl Pitts– Uhmerikun!

Board officers and staff, Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association: Chairman, S. Eugene Herritt; Vice Chairman, Kevin Barrett; Secretary, Lanny Rodgers; Treasurer, Leroy Walls; President & CEO, Frank M. Betley © 2011 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Visit with us at Penn Lines Online, located at: www.prea.com/Content/ pennlines.asp. Penn Lines Online provides an email link to Penn Lines editorial staff, information on advertising rates, contributor’s guidelines, and an archive of past issues.

PUNCH LINES

Earl makes some left-handed deals

29

RURAL REFLECTIONS

More ‘best shots’ O N T H E COV E R

FEBRUARY 2011

Colleges and rural electric utilities across the United States, along with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, are developing programs to train the energy workforce of tomorrow as new technologies emerge.

FEBRUARY 2011 • PENN

LINES

3

KEEPINGcurrent Going green brings down Farm Show Complex costs Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, a member of Adams Electric Cooperative, flipped a switch on the opening day of the 95th Pennsylvania Farm

k Adding aerators to sinks and low-flow valves to toilets and urinals; k Installing a rooftop solar system to provide supplemental hot water to the existing domestic system; and k Replacing inefficient motors and heaters with more energy efficient models.

According to a press release from the Farm Show, these upgrades will conserve electricity and water and reduce the facility’s carbon dioxide emissions by 1,650 metric tons annually — roughly the equivalent of taking 300 cars off Pennsylvania’s roads each year.

Bald eagles continue comeback in record numbers Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding describes the Farm Show’s “Going Green” project at the show’s opening ceremony.

GREEN IS GOOD:

Show on Jan. 8 to demonstrate the new solar energy system that is designed to reduce annual operating costs of the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center by more than $300,000.

The 120-kilowatt photovoltaic solar system is a part of a “Going Green” project that includes recycling, energy saving retrofit projects and the use of a wind turbine to generate electricity for the complex that includes more than 1 million square feet (approximately 24 acres). Although the Farm Show is the best known event held at the complex, in a typical year there are more than 200 events held there.

“For 95 years, the Pennsylvania Farm Show has featured the latest advancements in agriculture, and now the complex is a model for eco-friendly and money-saving investments,” Redding stated.

In addition to the solar array, the energy saving projects included: k Replacing more than 8,000 lighting fixtures with energy efficient lightbulbs; 4

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

Birdwatchers at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary this past fall counted a record number of migrating bald eagles, demonstrating another sign of the eagles’ comeback in eastern Pennsylvania.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, located near Kempton, has kept an annual tally of migrating eagles, hawks and falcons since it opened more than 75 years ago. This year’s tally of migrating bald eagles — 404 — smashed the old record of 245 bald eagles set two years ago. The 10-year Hawk Mountain Sanctuary average is 235.

The U.S. population of bald eagles declined steeply between the late 1800s and the 1970s due to a combination of

Correction A sentence in an article about Indiana’s Jimmy Stewart Museum in the January issue of Penn Lines is incorrect.

The building that housed the hardware store operated by Stewart’s father is no longer standing. The article should have stated, “A photo of the building that housed the hardware store across the street from the museum is part of a memorial located at the original store location.” Operated as Sutton, Marshall and Stewart, the business closed following the death of Alex Stewart in 1961.

habitat destruction and hunting, and later the widespread use of the sincebanned pesticide DDT. By 1963, it is estimated there were only 417 breeding pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. In 1975, birdwatchers at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary counted only 13 bald eagles during the entire fall — the lowest count recorded in the sanctuary’s history.

The bald eagle has been making a gradual recovery since it was listed on the federal Endangered Species list in 1967, followed by the banning of DDT in the United States in the early 1970s.

Today, it is estimated there are more than 10,000 pairs, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In fact, the bald eagle has made such a comeback (continues on page 14)

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TIMEpassages m e m o r i e s

from our members

(EDITOR’S NOTE: In observance of 75 years of rural electrification in Pennsylvania, throughout the year Penn Lines will feature personal accounts of “when the lights came on” from our readers. This is one of those accounts.)

When the lights came on IN 1937, Southwest Central Rural Electric Cooperative (now REA Energy Cooperative) had a meeting in Creekside at the fire hall. The discussion was, “Why should the residents allow the cooperative to put electricity in the area?”

Many people didn’t understand what it was all about. Others were afraid they couldn’t afford it. One person leading the discussion spoke to my grandfather, saying, “Norman Spence, we haven’t heard from you yet.”

My grandfather replied, “I want electricity in my home whatever it costs.”

By December 1937, the cooperative’s poles were set and the lines were attached to my grandparents’ house.

My father, Harland Reed Spence, was 11 years old. For that first Christmas with electricity, my grandparents, Norman and Jessie, purchased an electric train set for my father. They were a bit on edge, for although the poles and lines were in place, the electricity was not on.

On Christmas Eve, the electricity came on. Neighbor boys Lee, Lowry and Jim Fairman came over to my grandparents’ house to play with Reed’s new electric train set. (Yes, it still works!)

The cooperative’s electric poles came into my grandparents’ farm, but the line ended there. It was several years before the neighbors hooked up to electricity.

The contract for an easement right-of-way between Norman and Jessie Spence and Southwest Central Rural Electric Cooperative was signed on June 7, 1937. They were the first (No. 1) customer in Washington Township, Indiana County. l — Submitted by Norma Spence Martin, Punxsutawney, Pa.

GIFT OF LIGHT: Norman and Jessie Spence, above, were the first customers to

sign a right-of-way easement for electric service with Southwest Central Rural Electric Cooperative (now REA Energy Cooperative) in Washington Township, Indiana County, on June 7, 1937. Their son, Harland Reed Spence, shown at left with his wife, Margaret, received an electric train set as a Christmas present on Dec. 24, 1937, the day the family’s electricity was turned on. (Submitted by granddaughter, Norma Martin) 6

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

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PENNlines

Forecasting Future Needs Preparing tomorrow’s energy workforce

by Kathy Hackleman S e n i o r E d i t o r / Wr i t e r

AS EVEN SOME meteorologists might admit, predicting the future is an uncertain undertaking at best. In weather reporting, the only certainty seems to be that the weather always changes. Forecasting the education and training needs of tomorrow’s energy workforce is no less tricky. And, like the weather, those needs are always changing. But in order to ensure those needs are met, many higher education and personnel development professionals find themselves tasked with predicting the future.

Sometimes, the needs have been evident for a while. It’s no secret that across the United States, the rural electric cooperative workforce is aging. That has been driving the need to prepare a new generation of men and women who must be as comfortable operating a

high-tech computer as they are climbing a low-tech pole.

Other times, those needs come as a surprise. In 2007, Pennsylvania had about 40 natural gas wells drilled into the Marcellus Shale formation underlying much of the state. By the end of 2010, that number skyrocketed to more than 2,400, leading to an influx of out-of-state workers because there were not enough skilled local residents.

In recent years, shale development has seen dramatic increases across the country, with states like Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania leading the way, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

“Shale gas development drove an 11 percent increase in U.S. natural gas proved reserves [in 2009], to their highest level since 1971, demonstrating the growing importance of shale gas in meeting both current and projected energy needs,” notes EIA Administrator Richard Newell in a December 2010 news release.

Meeting emerging needs

CLIMBING BOOTS: Lineworkers wear special boots when climbing utility poles.

8

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

To fill the needs of the exploding Marcellus Shale industry, Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) and Penn State Cooperative Extension teamed up in 2008 to form the Marcellus Shale Education and Training Center (MSETC) to assess and respond to workforce needs. The center is located on the Penn College campus in Williamsport.

“The development of the Marcellus has the potential to have the single largest economic impact on Pennsylvania of any opportunity in the last century,” observes Larry L. Michael, MSETC executive director, workforce and economic development. “The indus-

try not only creates jobs and wealth from direct operations, but also by purchasing supplies through other existing enterprises.”

According to the Marcellus Shale Workforce Needs Study completed in the summer of 2009 by MSETC, the northern region of Pennsylvania can expect dramatic increases in drilling (up to 5,468 direct, full-time equivalent positions by 2013) while the central region can expect smaller, although still significant, increases (up to 2,245 direct, full-time equivalent positions by 2013). Using the Pennsylvania Economy League’s multiplier showing each direct job in the oil and gas industry creates an additional 1.52 indirect and induced jobs, the projected job increase by 2013 for the northern Pennsylvania region is up to 13,779, while it is up to 5,657 in the central region.

Because about 75 percent of the natural gas industry’s direct workforce includes occupations that require little formal postsecondary education, but do depend heavily on experience-driven skills and unique industry knowledge, Penn College began gearing up to offer the training and education that would be required.

Instruction offered through MSETC includes welding, commercial driver training, operator training, and safety and regulatory training, with additional classes being implemented over time. By the end of 2010, 126 individuals had participated in MSETC’s “Fit 4 Natural Gas” training.

Open to the public, the training and education programs offered through MSETC range from ones that are 100 percent funded by state or federal sources to others that are paid in full by the student or company.

The U.S. Department of Labor provided a $4.9 million grant to be used in the development of ShaleNET, a network of training providers being developed to support workforce needs throughout the Marcellus Shale region, which includes Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York. Penn College is the eastern hub of the network, while Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, is the western hub.

ShaleNET will develop standardized training for welders, commercial drivers,

GOING UP: Students at Iowa Lakes Community College

make a final run-through of safety procedures as they prepare to ascend into the wind turbine’s tower.

(Photo courtesy of Iowa Lakes Community College)

thanks to Art Boyt, a retired construction professor. Boyt’s passion for “green” building back before it had a color assigned to it has grown into an alternative energy division with four departments and multiple available degrees.

In the fall of 2010, 57 of Crowder College’s 5,200 students were enrolled in the alternative energy division, covering solar, wind, biofuels, and green building and design, according to Amy Rand, associate dean of program development.

Rand is proud of Crowder College’s continuing foray into the world of energy innovation.

“What we find unusual is that the type of accomplishments, the milestones that Crowder College has made in alternative energy, is unheard of at the community college level,” Rand states. “We have competed in the Solar Decathlon, an international competition in Washington, D.C., twice and we were the only community college. We were competing with universities like the University of Michigan, the University of Texas and the University of Virginia.”

Solar houses built on campus were dismantled, taken to Washington, D.C., to be reassembled for the contest, and then taken down again to be transported back to Neosho. There, they found permanent homes — one is used for class lab projects, while the other is set up to demonstrate solar technology applications in a typical residential setting.

Crowder College recently broke ground for the MARET Center, which will house the Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology program that provides training and research statewide. roustabouts, service rig operators, derrick operators, and rotary drill operators. All of these fields were identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as high-priority occupations.

While the intensity of the Marcellus Shale boom took Pennsylvania and surrounding states by surprise, bringing

the need to ramp up education programs quickly, other technology has been evolving for decades.

Show-Me spirit Located in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri in Neosho, Crowder College began experimenting with solar research and classes during the 1970s

Creating opportunities While Crowder College takes advantage of the abundant supply of sunshine in the Midwest, wind drives the renewable energy program at an Iowa community college. Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Estherville, Iowa, has been involved in the wind program at neighboring Iowa Lakes Community FEBRUARY 2011 • PENN

LINES

9

PENNlines College since its inception in 2003.

“Iowa Lakes Community College has a 1.65-megawatt wind turbine as a part of its program,” explains Rick Olesen, vice president of operations and engineering for the rural electric cooperative.

“We first got involved when we were talking to the college about the process of interconnecting its wind turbine into the electric distribution system.”

Olesen says that it was immediately obvious that the budding wind technicians would ultimately be involved in interconnections to cooperative lines and at cooperative substations.

“We wanted to make sure that we could give them some insights from the electric utility industry perspective because there was a gap in the awareness of those issues,” Olesen reports.

Since the early days of the program at Iowa Lakes Community College, the

cooperative has become even more involved. It donated a transformer to give the college a working model to teach interconnection techniques, and it also brings students to the cooperative for a look at what they will see in the field.

Started in 2004 with 15 students in one room, the college now has over 10 times that number of students enrolled in the program in a new building that the cooperative supported with access to zero-percent financing. Because Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative qualified for a Rural Development Grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it was able to turn around and loan the $300,000 from the grant plus an addiLINEMAN TRAINING: Adam Atherton, Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, practices what he has learned in training sessions offered by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association.

Students in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s “Fit 4 Natural Gas” training learn how to operate equipment that would be used in drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale. (Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania College of Technology)

NEW JOBS MEAN MORE TRAINING:

10

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

Continuing The Line WORKFORCE NEEDS DRIVE TRAINING

By Kathy Hackleman

STUDENTS FOCUS ON SUNLIGHT: Two solar houses, including this one, lower left, built by Crowder College students for competition at Solar Decathlon, an international competition in Washington, D.C., upper left, are now used on the college campus in Neosho, Mo., to teach students about solar energy. Crowder College students, right, use a house jack in preparation for moving one of the houses to Washington, D.C., for the competition. (Photos courtesy of Crowder College)

tional $60,000 at no interest to the college for its energy program lab and classrooms.

Cooperative approach Olesen notes that community colleges across the country assist each other, much as rural electric cooperatives do.

“The college has something similar to the rural electric cooperative network,” he states. “So because Iowa Lakes Community College was the first and still maintains the most comprehensive training program of this type in the country, and they can’t serve all of the prospective students who want to be involved, they have helped colleges across the country get off to a good start on developing their own wind energy programs. The college’s program is very successful and through helping other colleges, they have been a part of something even bigger than their own program.”

Attendance at a college’s alternative energy program is far from the only path to the educational level required to get — or keep — a job in the energy industry.

Bob Patton, senior principal for education programs in the education and train-

ing department at National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), served as the liaison to a 15-manager task force set up in 2009 by NRECA Chief Executive Officer Glenn English.

“Glenn asked the task force to take a look at 10 years out as to what co-ops need in light of changing knowledge and regulations,” Patton explains.

That task force convened over the course of eight months and issued a report in February 2010 that addressed nine key issues, two of which focused on workforce issues (educating current co-op employees so they can become the “go-to” source for cooperative members as they consider new types of energy applications, and recruiting, educating, and retaining employees for all cooperative positions).

To address workforce development, Patton says the NRECA task force took a look at the electric cooperative workforce nationwide. The analysis revealed that more than half of the employees in mid-level management positions are at the threshold of retirement. That means cooperatives must either grow and educate management employees through the (continues on page 16)

Every day, lineworkers face decisions with life-and-death consequences. That means their education and training must be extensive and thorough. These days, it also means they have to be familiar with more than the basics of electricity.

Becoming a journeyman lineworker is not quick or easy – it typically involves up to four years of study combined with onthe-job training. And it takes a special breed of person – someone who can endure the physical challenges of the job and is also capable of learning computer applications. That person must be teamoriented and enjoy working outside in any type of weather, day or night.

For those who can make the grade as a lineworker, the employment picture looks bright. Nationwide, the industry faces the imminent loss of large numbers of lineworkers who are nearing retirement age.

A team of trainers in the job training & safety program of the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association (PREA) assists the 14 Pennsylvania and New Jersey rural electric cooperatives that have the day-to-day responsibility of training their lineworkers.

PREA training begins with a two-week climbing school for new lineworkers where safety is the overriding theme.

Lineworkers then return to their cooperatives for four years of on-the-job training interspersed with PREA classes.

In 2010, PREA announced a partnership with Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) that allows lineworker apprentices to apply 30 hours of technology credits toward an associate in applied science degree. Lineworkers must earn another 31 credits to receive the degree.

“Because there will be so many new faces in the line personnel ranks in the next few years, it’s especially critical to focus on establishing a culture of safety and an emphasis on education at individual cooperatives,” emphasizes Steve Brame, PREA’s manager of job training & safety.

“PREA provides ongoing training schools for line personnel from cooperatives, which provide the daily on-the-job training focusing on specific skills and safety,” Brame notes. “And through our agreement with HACC, the line personnel also have the opportunity to gain a wellrounded education. We haven’t shifted the primary focus away from safety; we have just added to the education emphasis as lineworkers’ duties and responsibilities continue to evolve to meet changing industry needs.”

FEBRUARY 2011 • PENN

LINES

11

ENERGYmatters Red tape overload Government regulations set to hit electric bills THE COST of electricity hinges on several things — availability, prices for power plant fuels and materials, and the amount of power consumers demand.

Now a slew of volatile federal rules, regulating everything from greenhouse gas emissions to coal ash, has hit power producers.

With a new Congress in session, a number of legislators have come forward to propose bills opposing certain U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) measures, which they contend could harm the electric utility industry and have a costly impact on consumer electric bills.

“When Congress didn’t come up with legislation to address climate change, that left the door open for the EPA to step in,” observes Russ Biggica, Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association director of government & regulatory affairs.

“Fortunately, the direct impact of the EPA’s actions on Pennsylvania and New Jersey cooperatives should be relatively small. Approximately 70 percent of the cooperatives’ power needs here are met by carbon-free nuclear and hydroelectric resources. Still, these regulations will have an impact on the energy industry as a whole, so it will be in our best interest to monitor how they are carried out.”

Here’s an overview of the biggest regulations impacting the industry:

Curbing emissions On Jan. 2, the EPA began restricting the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by fossil fuelburning power plants. Fossil fuels like coal and natural gas fuel 70 percent of America’s electricity generation, and electric co-ops are more dependent on 12

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

EPA ACTIONS: Officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work out of this building in Washington, D.C. Their latest action is to restrict the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by fossil fuel-burning power plants.

coal than other utilities.

“Clearly, the EPA is wielding the Clean Air Act as a bludgeon, pressing it into service because the outgoing Congress was unable to agree on how to curb greenhouse gas emissions,” notes Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Association (NRECA) based in Arlington, Va. “Co-ops expect the EPA’s rulemaking will eventually have the practical effect — absent breakthrough technology — of eliminating coal as a power plant option. On top of this, the cost of switching from coal, which has traditionally been plentiful and affordable, to other fuels will be high.”

Only two alternate baseload generation sources can meet America’s demand for safe, reliable, and affordable electricity — natural gas, which is priced on a volatile commodities market (and has carbon dioxide emissions to contend with), and nuclear power, requiring a long lead time for construction.

“Electric co-ops are urging Congress and the White House to approve a twoyear moratorium on EPA regulation of carbon dioxide greenhouse gases — a delay giving lawmakers the opportunity

to fashion climate change legislation that protects consumers and keeps electric bills affordable,” English stresses.

Clean Air Transport Rule Released in 2010, EPA’s Clean Air Transport Rule aims to cap emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from power plants across 31 eastern states and the District of Columbia. The regulation enables “downwind” areas whose air quality is compromised by power plants to their west to meet federal standards.

By 2014, EPA claims the Transport Rule, when combined with other state and federal measures, will reduce power plant sulfur dioxide emissions by 71 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 52 percent from 2005 levels — at a cost to utilities of $2.8 billion per year.

The Transport Rule requires 180 coalfired power plants to install new pollution-control technology, activate existing pollution controls, or shut down. A second-round version under consideration could impose even tighter standards.

“We’re expecting a number of existing power plants to simply be retired,” notes Kirk Johnson, NRECA vice presi-

Cooling water intake requirements Power plants use water from lakes or rivers to cool generating equipment. The federal Clean Water Act Section 316(b) sets standards for cooling water intake structures, requiring plant operators to use “best available technology” to protect the environment.

EPA began reviewing the standards in 2010, launching a cost-benefit analysis of imposing stricter regulations. The rule is expected to be unveiled in February.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the nation’s bulk power grid watchdog, estimates this EPA rule will have the greatest potential impact on American energy reserves. If strictly enforced, NERC contends one-third of U.S. electricity capacity may need to be retired.

Coal ash debate To ensure the safe disposal of fly ash and other residues produced by coalfired power plants, the EPA is considering designating the materials — for the first time — as hazardous waste.

Classifying these “coal combustion byproducts” (CCBs) as hazardous could cost billions and force increases in electricity rates. Each year, the U.S. electric utility industry produces about 130 million tons of CCBs (roughly 8 percent from power supply cooperatives).

Carrying the hazardous label in any form will severely hamper beneficial uses of CCBs. Currently, one-third of fly ash (used as a cement replacement) and one-fourth of scrubber sludge (converted into synthetic gypsum for wallboards) are recycled. For every ton of cement replaced by fly ash, a ton of greenhouse gas emissions is avoided.

More than 10,000 co-op consumers sent letters to the EPA in 2010 voicing their concern and asking the EPA not to brand coal as hazardous.

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, North American Electric Reliability Corporation, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, ECT.coop.

Sealing your home from the elements

By Brian Sloboda Cooperative Research Network

When a home feels too cold or too warm, folks often purchase air conditioners or space heaters to improve comfort. But in many cases these appliances only address the symptoms, not the actual problem. However, there’s often a simple and relatively inexpensive solution — seal air leaks and add insulation.

To find leaks, walk around your house on a cold day and feel for drafts around exterior doors and windows, electric outlets, and entrance points for TV and telephone cables. In basements, target dryer vents, gas lines, or any place with an opening in the wall.

To fix leaks, apply caulk, spray foam or weather stripping to these areas.

Spray foam should be used on large openings. But be careful: the foam expands and could damage weak wood or loosen brick. When purchasing caulk, pay careful attention to whether it is rated for interior or exterior use and if you can paint over it.

An insulation kit provides a temporary solution for older windows during winter. Apply a clear plastic sheet to the interior of the window, then use a hair dryer to remove wrinkles and make the sheet almost as clear as the glass.

If you have a forced air heating or cooling system, consider sealing the duct work. According to Energy Star, a standard for rating energy-efficient consumer products, about 20 percent of the air moving through duct work is lost to leaks and holes. For exposed duct work in basements or attics, apply a duct sealant — either tape, aerosol or mastic — depending on your skill level.

Once leaks are sealed, focus on adding insulation. Insulation, your home’s first line of defense in keeping out heat and cold, comes in fiberglass (batt or blown), cellulose, rigid foam board, spray foam or reflective (also called radiant barrier) forms. Your local hardware store can help you choose the one that best fits your area and specific needs.

TOUCHSTONE ENERGY ® COOPERATIVES

dent of energy & environmental policy.

“The cost to comply with the regulation will simply be too much.”

A GOOD FIRST STEP: Since attics are generally easy to access, adding insulation above a home is a good first step to protect the building from outside elements.

When buying insulation, consider its R-value. Typical insulation levels for an attic range from R-30 to R-60, while floor requirements vary from R-13 to R-30.

The most difficult area to add insulation will be your walls. Ideally, you would add wall insulation when replacing the siding on your home. In most areas of the country, you will need to add either R-5 or R-6 insulative wall sheathing and then fill the wall cavity with blown-in insulation. If you do not have siding or won’t be replacing it anytime soon, you can cut holes in the wall and blow the insulation in. But this is generally a tricky undertaking and can cause significant damage if not done properly. l Brian Sloboda is a program manager specializing in energy efficiency for the Cooperative Research Network, a service of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

The Cooperative Research Network monitors, evaluates, and applies technologies that help electric cooperatives control costs, increase productivity, and enhance service to their consumers. Additional research provided by ESource.

FEBRUARY 2011 • PENN

LINES

13

KEEPINGcurrent

(continued from page 4) that it was removed from the Endangered Species list in 2007.

The sanctuary is located along Kittatinny Ridge, a major Appalachian flyway for migratory birds.

Cashless turnpike tolls studied The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is considering a proposal to turn the 545-mile Pennsylvania Turnpike into a “cashless” toll collection system. A study of the proposal is expected to take about a year, after which officials would review the study’s conclusions and make a final determination as to the feasibility of the proposal.

All-electronic tolling typically allows drivers to pay their tolls without stopping. Regular users would have E-ZPass transponders (or a similar device) installed in their vehicles. Under this type of system, occasional users are billed after a camera captures the vehicle’s license plate and bills the plate’s registered owner.

States that are in the planning stages for similar programs include California, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina and Texas.

Fate of Pennsylvania Avenue unclear In an attempt to have a constant reminder of the quest by residents of the nation’s capital to have the District of Columbia declared a state, members of the D.C. Council are considering a plan to rename a portion of the famous Pennsylvania Avenue.

In early January, D.C. Councilman Michael Brown held a public hearing to gather suggestions for a new name for the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue NW (near the White House and directly in front of the District of Columbia’s city hall, the John A. Wilson Building).

Among the suggestions for the new name are: Give D.C. Statehood Avenue, Statehood for D.C. Avenue, D.C. Demands Statehood Avenue, D.C. State14

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

hood Now Avenue, D.C. Demands Full Democracy Avenue and Give D.C. Full Democracy Avenue.

Appointed by President George Washington in 1791 to lay out a plan for the growing city, Pierre Charles L’Enfant developed a grid system of streets centered on the U.S. Capitol. The street named Pennsylvania Avenue was designed to connect the “Congress House” (the Capitol) with the “President’s House” (the White House), which has the most recognized address in the country: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau joins Chesapeake Bay lawsuit Two farm organizations have joined in a lawsuit in federal court against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its implementation of a Total Maxi-

mum Daily Load (TMDL) of nutrient and sediment loads in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, which includes much of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) and the American Farm Bureau are asserting that the EPA exceeded its authority under the Clean Water Act in establishing the TMDL, and that the science used by EPA to create the model used to develop the TMDL is flawed.

The lawsuit claims that states, not the EPA, has the authority to implement Clean Water standards.

According to PFB President Carl T. Shaffer, the EPA has failed to take into account many best management practices, including no-till farming and cover crops that significantly reduce runoff into Pennsylvania streams and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to farming, other sources of nutrients and sediments include wastewater treatment plants, municipal stormwater systems and small septic systems.

Shaffer noted the agriculture industry’s commitment to helping to restore the bay, adding, “Farmers have already played a major role in helping to improve water in Pennsylvania that flows into the bay and will continue to do so regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit.” l

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PENNlines (continued from page 11) ranks or bring new people into the cooperative family.

Also, when the employees who take those new positions are in place, they must be trained — both in management skills and in competency levels so they can apply smart grid technologies, along with emerging computer technology, including social media.

Patton anticipates that the national network already set up through NRECA and the Cooperative Research Network will be a portal to help cooperatives decide which applications will work

effectively for them. Cooperative employees would then receive training regarding how best to apply the new technologies in their workplace and service areas.

“Everyone is going to have to be in a continuing education mode as new technology continues to come into play, both in the workplace and how we interact with our members,” Patton adds. “Our employees must learn the latest technologies so they can provide the best service. And our co-ops need to take a greater role in being a resource for members who ask us for help in terms

of managing energy use. Our job includes helping those consumers understand what technology is out there that might suit them, and what technology might not do what the advertisement is saying it will do for them.”

Technology, like the weather, will always be changing, as will the needs of tomorrow’s energy workforce. Success for educators and industry analysts depends on anticipating those needs. Already, many organizations and institutions are making the accurate forecasts that help us keep up with those needs and, in some cases, stay ahead of them. l

Efficiency by design ENERGY INNOVATION HUB TO SPUR ADVANCES IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, TECHNOLOGY

By Kathy Hackleman

From gas-guzzlers to the electric car, the search for greater efficiency has helped transform the transportation sector. While innovations have improved our commute, such advances have not moved at the same speed for the places where we live and work.

With some 5 million commercial buildings and 70 million residential buildings in the United States, that’s a lot of square footage to heat and cool. Given that those buildings consume 40 percent of the energy in this country, energy officials are making a priority of getting greater efficiency out of our buildings.

A consortium made up of more than 90 entities led by Penn State University recently won a national competition for a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant by addressing this issue.

The Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster (GPIC) is the recipient of a five-year, $129 million grant to set up an Energy Innovation Hub in Philadelphia. GPIC’s goal is to provide the solution to the nationwide problem of the lack of energy efficiency in buildings, and ultimately, contribute to national energy independence.

GROUP EFFORT

The consortium plans to develop technologies and facilitate a regulatory policy environment where business owners (and ultimately homeowners) can achieve a three-year payback on energy-efficiency improvements. On the way to achieving that goal, they expect to create thousands of jobs in the construction industry and reduce the amount of energy used to heat and cool those 75 million structures.

“This award represents an enormous opportunity for the region to be a national and international headquarters for energy-efficient buildings, research, development and education,” says Dr. Paul Hallacher, director for research program management at Penn State. “This is a very significant achievement for both energy efficiency and job creation.”

The initial focus of the plan will be on the retrofit of existing average-sized commercial buildings and multi-family residential buildings.

Although Hallacher reports that technology already exists to make most buildings 30 percent more energy efficient, consortium members plan to develop technologies that will increase that

16

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

Thanks to recent federal grants of $129 million, the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster is establishing a center at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, a 1,200-acre ‘city within a city.’ (Photo courtesy of the Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster) LEADING THE WAY:

to the 50 to 80 percent improvement level.

“Really, a fundamental goal is to transform the way the building industry operates,” Hallacher notes. “Technology is part of this, but changing the policy environment, developing workforce skills, and changing the way the construction industry operates are equally important, if not more important.”

The GPIC will be headquartered at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, an ideal location due to its unique characteristics. The region has four distinct seasons with a daily average temperature that fluctuates significantly. But beyond the weather that provides the heating and cooling seasons needed to research energy-efficient buildings, the Navy Yard itself is unique.

Closed in 1996 by the U.S. Government, the site is a 1,200acre “city within a city” that has its own independent, unregulated power grid, a mix of older buildings that can be retrofitted and space for new construction.

INCENTIVIZING EFFICIENCY

And the work at the Energy Innovation Hub won’t solely focus on technology, according to Hallacher.

“The aim is also to create a policy environment and a business model that incentivize private sector behavior,” he states.

“If you could do those things, which we intend to do, you would have near-term significant reductions in energy use in the United States and worldwide. Energy efficiency in buildings is the low-hanging fruit that we need to pick to solve the nation’s energy problems. We have not made much improvement in this area since the 1970s, and this is where we stand to make some significant gains.”

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TIMElines

Yo u r N e w s m a g a z i n e T h r o u g h t h e Y e a r s

1991 BACK IN 1991, “distance learning” was a new concept that was beginning to put rural school districts across Pennsylvania in touch with the world.

Distance learning, 20 years ago, used live, two-way television or telephone connections to link teachers and students at different locations.

Thanks to the technology, students at rural schools were able to take the same courses as their counterparts in suburban schools.

The first distance learning technologies were instructional television using satellite dishes, microwave and video equipment, and cable systems to deliver courses from distant sites. The second involved a simpler tele-teaching approach using telephone lines and computers in schoolrooms.

Among the early school districts using this technology was the Crawford Central School District in Meadville, according to an article in Penn Lines. With help from Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative and federal funding, Crawford Central in February 1991 was gearing up to use a satellite dish, fax and phone line to provide staff development and student enrichment at their soon-to-be-completed administration center.

The number and types of distance learning possibilities have skyrocketed in the past 20 years, and schools across Pennsylvania continue to upgrade their distance learning class offerings.

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Penn Lines Yo u r C o o p e r a t i v e N e w s m a g a z i n e

Lumber Production on the Cutting Edge

1971 Penn Lines takes on some of the myths of pollution, and also suggests simple things that everyone can do to help save our environment.

18

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

1981 Penn Lines encourages cooperative members to communicate with elected officials as the strength of the democratic process depends on this interchange of ideas.

2001 From sawmills to finished furniture, Keystone State forest-products firms are deploying modern tools to give them a “cutting edge” in the global marketplace.

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SMARTcircuits

by James Dulley

Clearing the air Clean ducts key to air quality HEALTHY indoor air should be a goal for any family. This is particularly true in today’s more energy efficient, airtight houses where the air quality is often worse than outdoor air. In addition to some dust from the ducts, there are many sources of indoor pollutants, including cleaning, cooking and outgassing synthetic materials.

Many of these can be removed from indoor air with a combination of whole-house, furnace-mounted air cleaners and smaller individual room air cleaners.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), much of the dust in heating and air-conditioning ducts tends to adhere to the duct surface, and it never gets into the indoor air circulating throughout the house. Just because you see some dust collecting on the grill over air registers does not necessarily mean the ducts are very dirty and need to be cleaned.

Other than just a benign, fine layer of household dust inside of the ducts, there can be some potentially harmful particles inside them. Especially in humid areas, mold spores inside the ducts can cause serious allergic reactions in some people.

Bacteria can also live in some ducts under certain conditions. Very fine particles from cigarettes or wood-burning fireplaces can become airborne and cause respiratory problems. Test kits are available to take a sample of the dust from inside the ducts and have the sample tested for mold and other potentially harmful contaminants.

Although it is commonly referred to as “duct cleaning,” if you choose to have it done, it is important to have the entire HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning) system cleaned.

If the contractor who services your HVAC system also does duct cleaning, you 20

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

may get a discount by having the service and cleaning done at the same time. The typical cost for a complete cleaning ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the size and complexity of the duct system.

You might want to have the duct system inspected before going to the expense of a cleaning. Look for a company that will deduct the inspection cost from the total project cost should you choose to have it cleaned. Technicians conduct the inspection by looking into ducts and the furnace blower unit and using mirrors at bends.

When selecting a duct-cleaning company, there are several factors to consider.

As with any project, the reputation of the company is highly important. Although the ducts can be inspected afterward to see how well they have been cleaned, your best assurance is to start with a reliable contractor. Always check references.

The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) is the trade group that certifies HVAC system cleaning contractors.

The certification is legitimate and requires extensive training. Find a national listing of certified companies, along with its number of specialists, at www.nadca.com.

Also, when selecting a contractor, ask

about the type of equipment each uses. If an indoor vacuum unit is used, it must have a high efficiency particulate arrestance filter on the exhaust to trap particles. Some of the particles they dislodge from the duct walls can be very fine, and a lesser quality filter will not remove them from the exhaust air.

Another option is an outdoor truck with a built-in vacuum unit and a long hose. Because it is located outdoors, the exhaust filter is not critical. The only problem is during winter they suck quite a bit of the heated air out of your house during the cleaning process.

Some duct-cleaning companies may suggest spraying a chemical biocide inside the ducts to kill mold and bacteria and to keep them from growing in the future. If you do have this procedure done, make sure they use EPA-approved chemicals designated for sheet metal ducts. l is a nationally syndicated energy management expert. You can reach him at James Dulley, c/o Penn Lines, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.

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Farms are part of our electric cooperative.

Try these winners at home THE Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) selected four gold medal winners for 2011. This year, they all seem well adapted for landscapes across the state.

First up is a cultivar of the native American Sweetgum tree aptly named “Slender Silhouette” thanks to its very narrow form. Although its 35to 50-foot height is somewhat shorter than the typical “gumball” tree, its width is severely limited at 4 feet. This tall and extremely narrow shape is a real standout. I can envision it grown in formal rows lining a drive, in pairs to mark transitional spots in the landscape, or alone as a dramatic spirestyle punctuation mark. The temptation may be to nestle it into a flower border because it is so narrow, but remember that its ultimate height is quite tall and also that, like the basic sweetgum, it has a thirsty and competitive root system. Also notable is that the fall color is yellow. Finally, this cultivar produces relatively few hard, BARBARA MARTIN ,

who says she began gardening as a hobby “too many years ago to count,” currently works for the National Gardening Association as a horticulturist. A former member of Gettysburg-based Adams Electric Cooperative, her articles appear in magazines and on the internet.

22

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by Barbara Martin

spiky gumballs. (Zones 5 to 9, best in full sun and moist soil.)

The second tree taking a gold medal this year is the Debonair® “Morris” cultivar of Pond Baldcypress. This remarkable tree looks like a typical needled evergreen until fall when the foliage turns a gorgeous bronze color and drops to the ground. To the uninitiated, this might be a distressing sight, but when you know what to expect, it is a dramatic event to behold.

This deciduous conifer grows to about 50 feet in height with a 20-foot spread in a symmetrically shaped, pyramidal outline. Although it will grow in average conditions, this tree prefers moist to wet soil — as you might guess from the word “pond” in its common name. (Zones 5 to 9.)

The remaining two medal winners are both shrubs. The first, the “Midwinter Fire” cultivar of Bloodtwig Dogwood is a lovely “winter interest” shrub. It is one of the most versatile and unfussy shrubs around, tolerating a wide range of growing conditions and performing reliably year in and year out. The main attraction to this plant is the fiery red, orange and yellow coloring on its bark. Since the bark color is best on younger branches and twigs, you may wish to prune it back quite hard each year to stimulate the development of plenty of new growth. If you prune during the dormant season, the brightly colored cut branches can be used to fill

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

POWERplants

GOLD MEDAL: The Southern Bush-Honeysuckle is one of the four gold medal winners named in 2011 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

windowboxes to continue the winter display. Speaking of containers, this is a shrub that will tolerate being grown in a large container year round.

Fall color is not exceptional as it is basically green/dark purple-ish. It will grow approximately 8 to 10 feet tall and wide. (Zones 4 to 7.)

The final medal winner is the Cool Splash™ cultivar of the oh-so-confusingly-named shrub commonly called Southern Bush-Honeysuckle, a native in the southeastern United States. Technically speaking, it’s not a honeysuckle at all. Now that we have that out of the way, this adaptable and winter-hardy deciduous shrub has really pretty, eye-catching variegated foliage with a creamy white pattern on green leaves. The dense stems arch gracefully, and since the shrub spreads by underground

runners or stolons, it is well suited to mass planting. It can grow in height up to 4 feet. It might be useful in a woodland setting, perhaps as an informal substitute for variegated hostas in partial shade, or where a native plant is desired and the variegation would brighten things up. This plant resulted from the non-profit Landscape Plant Development Center breeding program, which is focused on “durable” plants, so I have high hopes for it to do well. (Sun to partial shade, moist to average soil in Zones 4 to 7.)

It’s always interesting to see what the PHS selects each year.

This year, I think we definitely have some fine plants for across the state. If you have the right growing conditions and enough space, consider trying one (or more) of these winners. l

COUNTRYkitchen

by Janette He ss

Breakfast in bed FEBRUARY is the perfect month to pamper loved ones, and surely we all know someone who deserves breakfast in bed!

This month’s recipe for Ham Scramble makes a special breakfast possible even on a hectic workday. Assembled the evening before, this savory casserole has the power to awaken the taste buds of any lovable sleepyhead as it fills the house with the unmistakable aroma of a traditional breakfast.

Individual quiches are another tasty breakfast or brunch option. Simply pull out a muffin pan and fill the cups with the customary ingredients of Quiche Lorraine — Swiss cheese, bacon and onion. Buttery cracker crumbs double as a rich crust and a delicate topping. Bake these quiches in advance and then lightly reheat them in a microwave oven just before serving.

For a special Valentine’s Day treat, mix up a recipe of Overnight French Toast with Blueberries. Only your love could be sweeter than these jam-filled slices. And honestly, who deserves to eat cold cereal on Feb. 14? l A trained journalist, JANETTE HESS focuses her writing on interesting people and interesting foods. She is a Master Food Volunteer with her local extension service and enjoys collecting, testing and sharing recipes.

HAM SCRAM

BLE 5 tablespoons butte r, divided 2 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 cups milk, div ided 1 cup Cheddar chee se, grated 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard 12 eggs Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup diced ham 2 English muffins, processed into coars e crumbs Over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of bu flour. Blend in 1 cup milk. Cook and stir un tter in saucepan and stir in til thickened. Add ch to blend. Add dried eese musta beat eggs and remain rd; set mixture aside. In separate bowl and stir , lig ing milk. Season with non-stick skillet, me salt and pepper, if de htly lt 1 tablespoon of bu tter; add egg mixture. sired. In eggs by gently stirri Scramble ng an set. Combine eggs, sau d scraping over medium heat until eg gs are just ce and ham. Spoon mi baking dish. Bake at xture into greased 9350 degrees for 15 minutes. While casse by 13-inch melt 2 tablespoons role butter and toss with English muffin crumb is baking, casserole from oven s. Remove , top with crumbs an d return to oven for 15 minutes of baking. an additional This casserole may be serving. Simply cove r with foil and refrig assembled the night before erate until baking tim e.

REDUCED-FAT VERSION : eggs, and use reduc Use 1 1/2 cups egg substitute in place of 6 of the ed-fat cheddar chee se in the sauce.

OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST WIT H BLUEBERRIES

1 loaf day-old French bread 5 tablespoons blueberry preserves (approximate) 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, divided 8 eggs 1 cup light cream (“half and half”) 2 cups milk 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Maple syrup

Slice bread into 1-inch thick slices. (App roximately 10 slices will fill a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Set aside leftover bread for another use.) Cut small pockets into each slice and insert a gene rous teaspoon of jam. Grease 9- by 13-inch baking dish with 1/2 tablespoo n of butter. Sprinkle blueberries in dish. Whisk together eggs, light cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract and salt.

Pour 1 cup of egg mixture into pan. Place bread slices in pan and slowly pour remaining egg mixture over brea d, allowing time for bread to absorb as much as possible. Sprinkle with cinna mon and dot with remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Serve hot with plenty of maple syrup.

QUICHES e INDIVIDUAL processed into fin

(36 crackers), y round crackers 1 “tube” butter crumbs tter 2 tablespoons bu crisp and crumbled ed 4 slices bacon, fri , diced ps to n io on n 3 gree grated ) Swiss cheese, ps cu 6 ounces (1 1/2 aten 4 eggs, lightly be ) (“half-and-half” 1 cup light cream 3/4 cup milk lt 1/4 teaspoon sa er sauce pp pe t ho s 3 drop t aside 1/4 cup n-stick spray. Se no th wi n into pa fin muf maining crumbs Spray 12-serving ing) and press re n and onion tops pp to r (fo bs um of cracker cr cheese, baco -pan cups. Divide eam, milk and bottoms of muffin whisk eggs and mix with light cr degrees for 0 ly ht 40 Lig at covered among cups. ong cups. Bake un crumbs on am e ing vid ain Di m s. re ing kle season oven and sprin m fro ees and e gr ov de m 0 Re rature to 30 10 minutes. duce oven tempe 15 minutes, or until knife Re . es ich qu of tops ional en. Bake an addit out clean. After removing pan return pan to ov es m co e ich qu er nt t stand 10 mininserted into a ce p knife around each quiche. Le ar sh a n ru from oven, pan. ing quiches from utes before remov

FEBRUARY 2011 • PENN

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PENNLINESclassified HERE’S MY AD: Yes, I want my message to go into more than 166,400 households in rural Pennsylvania. I have counted _________ words in this ad. (FOR ADS IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, ADD 20 PERCENT TO TOTAL COST.)

ATTACH ADDRESS LABEL HERE (OR WRITE IN COMPLETE LABEL INFORMATION)

MONTH

am an electric co-op member. Attached is my Penn Lines mailing label from the front of this magazine. ❏ II enclose $20 per month for 30 words or less, plus 50¢ for each additional word. The total payment enclosed is $_________________________.

Please run my ad during the months of ______________________________________________________.

NOT a member of an electric cooperative. I enclose $70 per month for 30 words or less, plus $1.50 ❏ Iforameach additional word.

The total payment enclosed is $_____________________.

Please run my ad during the months of ______________________________________________________. _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ 1

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Additional words: _____________________________________________________ (use separate sheet if needed) NOTE: You must pay for special heading requests, even if the heading is currently appearing in Penn Lines.

Only the following qualify as free headings. Please check your selection: Around the House Business Opportunities Employment Opportunities Gift and Craft Ideas Livestock and Pets Miscellaneous Motor Vehicles and Boats Nursery and Garden Real Estate Recipes Tools and Equipment Vacations and Campsites Wanted to Buy. and Food FOR SPECIAL HEADINGS NOT LISTED: Indicate special heading you would like, and add $5 for co-op members, $10 for non-members. Insertion of classified ad in Penn Lines serves as proof of publication; no proofs are furnished.

SEND THIS FORM (or a sheet containing the above information) to Penn Lines Classifieds, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108.

FOR INFORMATION ONLY Telephone: 717/233-5704. NO classified ads will be accepted by phone.

ATTN: Checks/money orders should be made payable to PREA/Penn Lines.

❏

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DEADLINE

April 2011. . . . . . . . . February 15 May 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . March 18 June 2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . April 18 All ads must be received by the specified dates to be included in the corresponding month’s issue. Ads received beyond the deadline dates will automatically be included in the next available issue. Written notice of changes or cancellations must be received prior to the first of the month preceding the month of issue.

For information about display rates, continuous ads, or specialized headings, contact Vonnie Kloss at 717/233-5704, the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association.

HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE COUNTRY CRAFTED bentwood oak/hickory rockers. Swings, gliders, double rockers, coffee/end tables, bar stools, kitchen sets, cedar log outdoor furniture, log bedrooms, SPECIAL queen log bed, $599. 814-733-9116. www.zimmermanenterprise.com.

HARDWARE/LUMBER RETAIL

AROUND THE HOUSE

CHURCH LIFT SYSTEMS

“COUNTRY COOKING,” Volume 2 — $8, including postage.

“RECIPES REMEMBERED,” Volume 3 — $12, including postage.

Both of these cookbooks are a collection of recipes from men and women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks.

Volume 1 of “Country Cooking” is SOLD OUT.

Make your church, business or home wheelchair accessible.

We offer platform lifting systems, stair lifts, porch lifts and ramps. References. Free estimates. Get Up & Go Mobility Inc. 724-746-0992 or 814-926-3622.

OUTSIDE WOOD HEATER — $1,595. Forced air system. Rated 100K BTU. Heats up to 2,400 square feet. Houses, mobiles or shops. Low-cost shipping. Easy install. 417-581-7755 Missouri. www.heatbywood.com.

CLOCK REPAIR: If you have an antique grandfather clock, mantel clock or old pocket watch that needs restored, we can fix any timepiece. Macks Clock Repair: 814-421-7992.

CONSULTING FORESTRY SERVICES NOLL’S FORESTRY SERVICES, INC. performs Timber Marketing, Timber Appraisals, Forest Management Planning, and Forest Improvement Work. FREE Timber Land Recommendations. 30 years experience. Call 814-472-8560.

CENTRE FOREST RESOURCES. Maximizing present and future timber values, Forest Management Services, Managing Timber Taxation, Timber Sales, Quality Deer Management. FREE Timber Consultation. College educated, professional, ethical.

814-867-7052.

BUILDING SUPPLIES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES STEEL ROOFING AND SIDING. Discount Prices. Corrugated sheets (cut to length) 52¢ per square foot. Also seconds, heavy gauges, odd lots, etc. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania. 814-398-4052.

METAL BUILDINGS — 24 x 40 x 8, $9,900 installed. 30 x 40 x 8, $11,900 installed. Includes one walk door and one garage door. All sizes available. 800-464-3333. www.factorysteelbuildings.com.

EARN $60,000/yr Part Time in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required.

Classroom or home study courses available. 800-488-7570. www.amagappraisers.com.

FENCING

FACTORY SECONDS of insulation, 4 x 8 sheets, foil back. Also reflective foil bubble wrap. 814-442-6032.

FREE Fence Guide/Catalog – High-tensile fence, horse fence, rotational grazing, twine, wire, electric netting – cattle, deer, garden, poultry. Kencove Farm Fence Supplies: 800-536-2683. www.kencove.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

GIFT AND CRAFT IDEAS

PIANO TUNING PAYS — Learn at home with American School of Piano Tuning home-study course in piano tuning and repair.

Tools included. Diploma granted. Call for free brochure 800497-9793.

“COUNTRY COOKING,” Volume 2 — $8, including postage.

“RECIPES REMEMBERED,” Volume 3 — $12, including postage.

Both of these cookbooks are a collection of recipes from men and women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks.

Volume 1 of “Country Cooking” is SOLD OUT.

LEE’S Hardware — CRESSON 814-886-2377. Plumbing, electrical, hardware, paint, tools, wood pellets. PATTON 814674-5122. Lumber, roofing, plywood, windows, doors, shale, sand, blocks, delivery, boom lift trucks, estimates. Full service hometown stores.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION Tired of all those medicines — Still not feeling better? Do you want to feel better, have more energy, better digestion, less joint stiffness, healthier heart/circulation and cholesterol levels? Find out how to empower your own immune system — start IMMUNE-26 today! It’s safe, affordable, and it works.

Call 800-557-8477: ID#528390. 90-day money back on first time orders. When ordering from Web, use Option #3. www.mylegacyforlife.net/believeit.

HEALTH INSURANCE DO YOU HAVE THE BLUES regarding your Health Insurance?

We cater to rural America's health insurance needs. For more information, call 800-628-7804 (PA). Call us regarding Medicare supplements, too.

INFRARED SAUNAS Removes toxins, burns calories, relieves joint pain, relaxes muscles, increases flexibility, strengthens immune system.

Many more HEALTH BENEFITS with infrared radiant heat saunas. Economical to operate. Barron’s Furniture, Somerset, PA. 814-443-3115.

LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT

KARL’S Small Engine Repair FOR SALE. Stihl Dixon franchise, all inventory, no building. 814-736-9502. Cell 814-599-0508.

24

PENN

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL – SALES – SERVICE – PARTS. Compact Loaders & Attachments, Mowers, Chainsaws, Tillers, etc. We sell BCS, Boxer, Dixon, Ferris, Hustler, Grasshopper, Shindaiwa and more. HARRINGTON’S, Taneytown, MD. 410-7562506. www.harringtonsservicecenter.com.

PENNLINESclassified LEGAL SERVICES

SEA HAG SOAPS & ART MERCANTILE

WORKERS COMPENSATION: Think you know your rights? Call 877-291-9675 for free advice or for your free book visit www.workinjuryinpa.com.

Three-story restored HAY BARN. Local, regional artwork and fine craft. Gifts of all price ranges. Open year-round. Hot coffee and warm cider is waiting for you. 570-663-2297. www.seahagsoaps.com.

LIVESTOCK AND PETS GERMAN SHEPHERD puppies $900-$1,500. Young Adult $800 and Adult dogs $500 from imported blood lines. 814-967-2159.

Email:rick@petrusohaus.com Web: www.petrusohaus.com.

PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI Puppies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AKC, adorable, intelligent, highly trainable. Excellent family choice. Reputable licensed breeder guaranteed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last breed youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever own.â&#x20AC;? 814-5873449.

NATURAL HOOF TRIMMING. Achieve real impact balance.

Experienced in hoof problems (founder, navicular). Boot fitting. Over 20 years as Farrier, 814-662-4296. Healthy hoof â&#x20AC;&#x201D; healthy horse.

LOG CABIN RESTORATIONS VILLAGE RESTORATIONS & CONSULTING specializes in 17th and 18th century log, stone and timber structures. We dismantle, move, re-erect, restore, construct and consult all over the country. Period building materials available. Chestnut boards, hardware, etc. Thirty years experience, fully insured. Call 814696-1379. www.villagerestorations.com.

MISCELLANEOUS BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER, Correspondence study. The harvest truly is great, the laborers are few, Luke 10:2. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7549 West Cactus Road, #104-207, Peoria, AZ 85381. www.ordination.org.

SHAKLEE FREE SAMPLE Shakleeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Energy Tea. Combination red, green and white teas that are natural, delicious, refreshing, safe. For sample or more information on tea or other Shaklee Nutrition/Weight Loss Products: 800-403-3381 or www.shaklee.net/sbarton.

TIMBER FRAME HOMES SETTLEMENT POST & BEAM BUILDING COMPANY uses timehonored mortise, tenon and peg construction paired with modern engineering standards. Master Craftsman and owner, Greg Sickler, brings over two decades of timber-framing experience to helping you create your dream. We use highquality timbers harvested from sustainable forests for all of our projects. Visit our model home, located on Historic Route 6, Sylvania, in North Central Pennsylvania. For more information phone 570-297-0164 or go to www.settlementpostbeam.com or contact us at cggksick@epix.net.

TREE TRIMMING/REMOVAL

RAYSTOWN LAKE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $275,000, 35 acres, build-ready, mountaintop vista, close to boat launch. Call 814-599-0790.

BRADFORD COUNTY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $87,500, 3.25 acres, deep well, Aframe, two bedroom and loft, new roof, approximate 920â&#x20AC;&#x2122; meadow, septic system designed/approved. 910-322-1856.

CURWENSVILLE, PA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 17.6 Acres, Charming Ranch, woodland setting. Three bedroom, three bath, full basement. Gas fireplace, large family room. Ten minutes/Curwensville Lake.

Great hunting. Five minutes school. 814-236-3162.

RECIPES AND FOOD â&#x20AC;&#x153;COUNTRY COOKING,â&#x20AC;? Volume 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $8, including postage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;RECIPES REMEMBERED,â&#x20AC;? Volume 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $12, including postage.

Both of these cookbooks are a collection of recipes from men and women of the electric co-ops of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Payable to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P. O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Write Attention: Cookbooks.

Volume 1 of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Country Cookingâ&#x20AC;? is SOLD OUT. SAWMILLS USED PORTABLE Sawmills and COMMERCIAL Sawmill Equipment! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148.

USA and Canada. www.sawmillexchange.com.

GUARANTEED SERVICE

1-800-726-0537 www.ClusterFlyControl.com

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For the best INSURANCE RATES call R & R Insurance Associates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800-442-6832 (PA).

REAL ESTATE

One Price. One Treatment.

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TRACTOR PARTS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; REPAIR/RESTORATION ARTHURS TRACTORS, specializing in vintage Ford tractors, 30years experience, on-line parts catalog/prices, shipped via UPS. Contact us at 877-254-FORD (3673) or www.arthurstractors.com.

TREE-SHRUB SEEDLINGS. Wholesale Prices. Beautify Property.

Make Money Growing Christmas Trees, Ornamentals, Nut Trees, Timber. Plants for Landscaping, Windbreaks, Noise Barriers, Wildlife Food-Cover. Easy Instructions Guaranteed.

FREE Color Catalog. Carino Nurseries, P. O. Box 538PL, Indiana, PA 15701. 800-223-7075. www.carinonurseries.com.

CONTROL Cluster Fly, Lady Bug, Boxelder Bug, Spiders, Crickets

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT PROFESSIONAL SHARPENING. Clipper blades. Scissors for fabric, groomers and stylists. Knives, chisels and small tools.

Aires Eickert factory trained to sharpen beauty shears. Scissor sales and service. 814-267-5061 or www.theScissorGuy.net.

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TOMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TREE SERVICE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tree Trimming/Removal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Storm Cleanup â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stump Grinding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Land Clearing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bucket Truck and Chipper â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fully Insured â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Free Estimates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Call 24/7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 814-4483052 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 814-627-0550 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26 Years Experience.

VACATIONS AND CAMPSITES VACATION PROPERTY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; For rent ocean front condo, Myrtle Beach, SC. Excellent condition. Close to major attractions.

Booking for 2011. Please call 814-425-2425 or visit www.oceanfrontmyrtlebcondo.com.

FLORIDA VILLAGES â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Two bedroom, two bath, two bikes. Fully furnished. One hour from Disney World. Rent two week minimum or monthly, $2,300 (January to March). Call 716536-0104. Great entertainment. Dancing nightly.

BEAUTIFUL LAKE ERIE COTTAGE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Enjoy swimming. Fishing and sunsets at their finest. Sleeps eight, 20 miles west of Erie.

Available May to November. Call 814-333-9669. Visit our website at www.curleycottage.com.

CHRISTIAN CRUISE to Canada and New England. Sails from New York. September 28 thru October 8, 2011. Bus from western PA. For flyer call 814-444-8800 or email: jnljaunts@floodcity.net.

COOK FOREST AREA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; At The Woods Cabin & Campground â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sigel, PA. Large cabin rental, sleeps 10, fully equipped. Small Campground â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Restrooms & Showers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Seasonal Sites Available. Call 330-385-2404. www.atthewoodscabin.com.

WATERLESS COOKWARE VAPO-SEAL Waterless Cookware â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most important lifetime investment you will ever make for your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. Free Brochure call 800-852-3765. 7-ply surgical stainless steel. 18 pieces, new in box. Small fraction of Dinner Party price or $295.

Farm â&#x20AC;˘ Industrial â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial 25 Year Warranty on Roof & Walls; Prices F.O.B. Mfg. Plants; Seal Stamped Blue Prints; Easy Bolt Together Design.

30â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.......$8,298 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.......$11,960 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.....$22,695 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.....$30,985 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 150â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122;...$54,975

PRICES INCLUDE COLOR SIDES & GALVALUME ROOF

Arena Special (roof & frame) 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 14â&#x20AC;&#x2122;...$33,499 (Local codes may affect prices)

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

F a x : 9 4 0 - 4 8 4 - 6 7 4 6 e m a i l : info@rhinobldg.com Website: http://www.RHINOBLDG.COM

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FEBRUARY 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ PENN

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25

OUTDOORadventures

Smorgasbord of intended land uses In Pennsylvania, millions of acres dedicated to public use THE WOMAN appeared truly shaken. “You can’t hunt here!

This is a game preserve!” she stammered.

Her two, unleashed, barely controlled, golden retrievers were more excited to meet me, or, more precisely, the freshshot ruffed grouse in my game bag. They danced around me, snorting in the scent of the bird, generally ignoring the woman’s commands to heel and get down.

It wasn’t a situation I wanted to prolong. So, I offered a quick explanation to the woman that she was walking her dogs across state game lands — not even one of the closed propagation areas of nearby Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area — and she might expect to encounter more hunters on this land that hunters bought and paid to maintain.

It also wasn’t the first time that a non-hunter at or near Middle Creek, a Pennsylvania MARCUS SCHNECK is outdoor editor for The (Harrisburg, Pa.) Patriot-News, a contributor to many outdoor publications and websites, and author of more than two dozen books.

26

PENN

by Marcus Schneck

Game Commission-owned and operated site on the LancasterLebanon county line, had chastised me for hunting on public hunting grounds they were using to walk their dogs, hike, ride horseback or the like.

While most state game lands are clearly marked at their parking areas and other major access points as to their primary uses for hunting and trapping, there also are many trails leading onto the tracts that are not so clearly labeled.

So, it’s understandable that we hunters occasionally encounter non-hunters on the lands that we paid for and continue to pay to maintain for our sports, as well as wildlife habitat. It’s also understandable that they often don’t know the true nature of state game lands, or other public lands they use.

In Pennsylvania, we have a real smorgasbord of ownership, designations and intended uses in our wild spaces, which more accurately are labeled as the lands dedicated to conservation and recreation through various systems. According to the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PLTA), about 18 percent of our state — nearly 5.4 million acres — is thus preserved.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission, through the state game lands system, is the second largest holder of these lands, nearly 27 percent of all lands set aside for conservation and recreation. The system includes more than 1.4 million acres.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is the

LINES • FEBRUARY 2011

largest holder, with 2.1 million acres (39 percent of the total) in state forests and nearly 300,000 acres (5.4 percent of the total) in state parks.

While some are questioning how well preserved and protected these lands really might be, given the growing impact of the Marcellus Shale natural gas boom, they remain the best and the bulk that the state has to offer in the conservation and recreation category.

Other major holders, according to the PLTA, are the U.S. Forest Service through the Allegheny National Forest, 513,297 acres, 9.6 percent; state agricultural conservation easements, 395,636 acres, 7.4 percent; land trust organizations, 229,105 acres, 4.3 percent; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in sites like Raystown Dam, Crooked Creek Lake and Blue Marsh Lake, 110,786 acres, 2.1 percent; local municipalities, 104,701 acres, 1.9 percent; counties, 76,713 acres, 1.4 percent; National Park Services, in acreage along the

Raystown Lake is an example of publicly owned land in Pennsylvania.

PUBLIC LAND:

Appalachian Trail and sites like the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 65,679 acres, 1.2 percent; Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, 33,500 acres, 0.6 percent; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, in fish hatcheries and national wildlife refuges, 10,071, 0.2 percent; and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, 2,921 acres, 0.1 percent.

My family’s 4.5 acres, which is mostly managed as wildlife habitat and was the focus of a land-use dispute when a neighbor asked us not to hunt on it, not even in the area beyond her legal safety zone, didn’t make the list. But, like thousands of similar small tracts and larger private tracts across the state, it is providing conservation and recreation, carrying the portion of the state aimed at those purposes well above the PLTA’s tally of 5.4 million acres. l

PUNCHlines

Thoughts from Earl Pitts, UHMERIKUN! Earl makes some left-handed deals

Social commentary from Earl Pitts —— a.k.a.

GARY BURBANK , a nationally syndicated radio personality —— can be heard on the following radio stations that cover electric cooperative service territories in Pennsylvania: WANB-FM 103.1 Pittsburgh; WARM-AM 590 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton; WIOO-AM 1000 Carlisle; WEEO-AM 1480 Shippensburg; WMTZ-FM 96.5 Johnstown; WQBR-FM 99.9/92.7 McElhattan; WLMI-FM 103.9 Kane; and WVNW-FM 96.7 Burnham-Lewistown.

You know, I promised myself for this new year that I was gonna find some way to better myself. I know that you’re thinkin’, “Earl, you’re perfect.” But let’s be honest, folks — that’s far from the truth.

First I thought I’d go on a diet, give up smokin’ an’ join one a’ them gymnasiums for exercisin’. The only problems with that are — I like to eat, I like to smoke, an’ exercisin’ is too much like work.

Then I thought that I could learn me a new language. Get that Rosetta Stone thing on the TV. But heck, I can barely speak English. I’ll admit that.

Then I got me a’ idea of somethin’ I could work at, an’ make myself a better person! I’m gonna teach my left hand how to do stuff.

For most a’ my life, my left hand’s got a free ride. It goes everyplace my right hand goes, but it don’t hafta do any of the work. I mean, if you’re not playin’ baseball, your left hand is useless. Which is weird ‘cause it looks just like your right hand an’ its nerve endin’s are attached to the same brain. It’s just the stupid hand.

It’s like havin’ twins, if one of ’em was not as smart as the other.

So anyways, that’s what I started doin’. I am trainin’ my left hand. Fact is — I started this mornin’. I brushed my teeth with my left hand. An’ poked myself in the eyeball with the toothbrush.

This might take longer than I first thought. I finally got my toothbrush in my mouth but it was weird. An’ I think my left hand was just waitin’ for my right hand to bail it out.

Then I shaved with my left hand. The bathroom sink looked like a crime scene.

I couldn’t even put on my dang belt lefthanded. What in the Sam Hill has my left hand been doin’ all these years? He’s been right there, watchin’ my right hand do all the work. You’d a thunk he’d a’ picked up a little bit.

Maybe he’s just playin’ stupid so he can go back an’ live in my pocket.

Those days are over, son. I ain’t lookin’ to be ambi-bidextros. But you ain’t getting’ no free ride no more neither.

Obviously you people are devious.

Yeah, y’all got some secrets out there. I just heard a story that says 86 percent a’ people have kept a purchase secret from their spouse in the last year. Y’all ain’t comin’ clean with your mates.

The story goes that women more’n likely ain’t told their husbands about buyin’ clothes. Men sometimes forget to tell their better halves about money they spent on booze an’ gamblin.’

Well, shame on you devious an’ deceitful people. That is no way to build a relationship a’ love an’ trust. Even if it does save you from chasin’ each other around the house with various kitchen utensils.

An’ no, I am not holdin’ myself up as better an’ holier than y’all. I just learned my lesson, that’s all. I mean — one time I bought me a used bass boat, an’ I put it in the driveway. I told my wife it was my buddy Dub Meeker’s boat, but he was keepin’ it in our yard ‘cause he was afraid to tell his better half.

About three months later I come home an’ the boat was gone. I asked my wife where it went. She said Dub Meeker had to sell it on account of his better half was mad when she found out he bought it.

Hmmm. This was a awkward situation. I go, “Well, Dub said if he sold the boat he was gonna give me the money on account a’ me storin’ in our yard.”

She goes, “Well, you better take that up with Dub.” Two days later, she’s got a new washer an’ dryer. I go, “Pearl, where’d you get the money for them?” She goes, “Oh them ain’t ours, Earl. Charlene Meeker bought them with Dub’s boat money but she don’t want him to know so she’s gonna bring her wash over here.” She’s very good at this.

I come home the next day and there’s a new shovel by the door. I says, “What’s that for?” She goes, “Dub Meeker bought it for you.” I go, “Why’d he do that?” an’ she goes, “He says in case you wanna dig yourself another hole.”

Wake up, America! I ain’t lied about my money since then. As far as she knows.

I’m Earl Pitts, Uhmerikun. l FEBRUARY 2011 • PENN

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Attention High School Seniors At least five $1,000 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association Scholarships in Memory of William F. Matson are available for the 2011-12 college year. fill out and mail this coupon Please send me an application for the 2011-12 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association Scholarship Trust Fund in Memory of William F. Matson.

I am a high school senior and the son or daughter of a member or employee of an electric cooperative in Pennsylvania and New Jersey who belongs to the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association. _______________________________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ Town or City _______________________________________________________________ State Zip _______________________________________________________________ Email address _______________________________________________________________ Name of Electric Cooperative

Who is eligible?

The Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association Scholarship Trust Fund in Memory of William F. Matson is offering scholarships to sons and daughters of members and employees of electric cooperatives in Pennsylvania and New Jersey who belong to the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association. Applicants must currently be high school seniors and be able to furnish necessary aptitude test scores and financial need information. At least five $1,000, one-time scholarships will be awarded.

Important dates to remember All applications and required information must be received no later than May 9, 2011. Finalists will be sent a follow-up questionnaire that must be returned by June 1, 2011. Scholarship awards will be announced at the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association Summer Meeting in July 2011.

How to apply To receive an application, simply fill out and mail the accompanying coupon or contact your local electric cooperative office. If you would like to receive the application via email, please include your email address or visit our website, www.prea.com, for more information.

Applicant: To request a scholarship application, mail coupon to: The Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association Scholarship Trust Fund in Memory of William F. Matson P. O. Box 1266 Harrisburg, Pa. 17108-1266

Attention Past Rural Electric Youth Tour Students At least two $1,000 scholarships in memory of Jody Loudenslager are available through the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association Scholarship Trust Fund in Memory of William F. Matson for the 2011-12 college year. fill out and mail this coupon ___________________________________________________________ Name

Who is eligible?

The scholarship is available to any college-bound or college student who participated in the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association (PREA) Youth Tour. Applicants need to furnish necessary aptitude test scores, GPA and financial need information.

Dates to remember ___________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________ State Zip ___________________________________________________________ Email address ___________________________________________________________ Name of your electric cooperative ___________________________________________________________ Year on Youth Tour

All applications and required information must be received no later than May 9, 2011. Finalists will be sent a follow-up questionnaire that must be returned by June 1, 2011. Scholarship awards will be announced at the PREA Summer Meeting in July 2011.

How to apply To receive an application, simply fill out and mail the accompanying coupon to: Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1266. If you would like to receive the application via email, please include your email address or visit our website, www.prea.com, for more information.

Jody Loudenslager, a 1995 Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association Youth Tour student from Trout Run, Pa., was among the 230 passengers killed July 17, 1996, when TWA Flight 800 exploded shortly after take-off from New York.

Since Jody was committed to higher education, the scholarship was created to honor her and help Youth Tour participants with college costs.

RURALreflections More ‘best shots’ WE FEATURED the winning photos from the 2010 “Rural Reflections” photography contest in the January issue of Penn Lines. This month, we have a few more of our favorites from last year to share with you.

In March, we are kicking off the 2011 contest, so it’s time for all of you amateur photographers to get out your photos and send us your best shots. Or plan now to get out your camera and have some fun taking new photos. Again this year, $75 winners will be named in each of five categories: most artistic, best landscape, best human subject, best animal and editor’s choice.

To be eligible for the 2011 contest prizes, send your photos (no digital files, please) to: Penn Lines Photos, P.O. Box 1266, Harrisburg PA 17108-1266. On the back of each photo, include your name, address, phone number and the name of the electric cooperative that serves your home, business or seasonal residence. (The best way to include this information is by affixing an address label to the back of the photo. Please do not use ink gel or roller pens to write on the photo as they bleed onto other photos.)

Remember, our publication deadlines require that we work ahead, so send your seasonal photos in early. We need summer photos before mid-April; fall photos before mid-July and winter photos before mid-September. Please note: photos will not be returned unless a self-addressed, self-stamped envelope is included with the photo. l

Dawn Cornett Somerset REC

Stuart & Connie Potter Tri-County REC

Carrie Dinger Tri-County REC

John Hetzel Claverack REC

FEBRUARY 2011 • PENN

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29

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Colorado ¢ 1 Y L Blue Spruce ON (Picea pungens glauca) A shining blue, northernHummingbird Vine (Campsis radicans) Plant this improved variety of the old-fashioned trumpet vine to attract hummingbirds.

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Colorado Blue Spruce Hummingbird Vine J. K. Asparagus Old Fashioned Lilac Red Sedum Siberian Elm Stargazer Lilies

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